SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun’s ‘Mission Is Fantastic,’ Says NASA CKO

Jan 02, 2025

HOUSTON—Some performing arts shows are a recreation of a classic while others are just for a good time, but Shen Yun Performing Arts is fulfilling its mission every time it appears onstage.

“I think the mission is fantastic because I think there are so many Chinese Americans and Chinese folks around the world from Chinese descent that don’t get to see this every day. And I think it’s meaningful for them to bring back this tradition so that everybody has a chance to see it,” said Jim Rostohar, chief knowledge officer (CKO) at NASA Johnson Space Center.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and its mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Although Shen Yun is helping the world understand more about China through its global tours each season, it is unable to perform in China.

“It’s very sad that the Chinese people don’t get to see this performance, but I think it’s great for the rest of us to be able to see and understand the true meaning,” said Mr. Rostohar’s wife, Carol.

Since the communist regime took power in China, it has systematically destroyed China’s age-old culture and traditions. Many of today’s youth have very little knowledge of true Chinese history.

“I think it’s good for all different types of cultures to understand where they come from, what it means to other cultures, and how we can intertwine and get along together,” said Mr. Rostohar.

Mr. Rostohar also expressed his appreciation for Shen Yun’s orchestra.

“I think some folks that don’t get the respect that they deserve was the orchestra. The music was fantastic. ... They’re down in the pit, but they keep the whole thing going,” he said.

Shen Yun’s orchestra is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a Western orchestra. The erhu, a Chinese instrument with only two strings, is able to evoke deep emotions.

“I think that was really interesting, especially when the lady played the two-stringed instrument,” said Mr. Rostohar.

“Amazing, and you wouldn’t expect that from a two-string instrument,” added Mrs. Rostohar.

Shen Yun’s dancers are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“I would say incredible artistry, incredible athleticism, and I can’t imagine all the hard work that these folks put in to make this happen,” said Mr. Rostohar.

Classical Chinese dance is very demanding, and Shen Yun’s artists rehearsed tirelessly before beginning their tour this season.

“It’s absolutely beautiful, and it was very well done, and the whole meaning of it for everyone, I think, is a great takeaway,” said Mrs. Rostohar.

Reporting by NTD, Frank Liang, and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.